The Resurrection and the Exaltation of Christ: Understanding the Glorification of Jesus

The Resurrection as the Turning Point of Christ’s Glorification

The resurrection is the pivotal moment in God’s plan of redemption where Jesus’ victory over death marked the beginning of His exaltation and glorification. By conquering the grave, Jesus demonstrated His authority over life and death, setting the stage for His ultimate glorification. Through the resurrection, God declared that Jesus is not only the Savior but the victorious King who reigns forever.

Romans 1:4 speaks to this declaration of Jesus’ authority: “And declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” The resurrection affirmed Jesus’ divine identity and was the moment God publicly confirmed Him as the powerful Son of God. The resurrection, then, is the foundation of His glorification, showing that He is not only the Lamb who was slain but also the Lord who lives and reigns.

Acts 2:32-33 reflects this exaltation: “This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.” After the resurrection, Jesus was exalted to God’s right hand, fulfilling the promise of His glorification. The resurrection is the turning point that leads to Jesus’ enthronement, highlighting the inseparable link between His victory over death and His exalted position.

The Exaltation of Christ as Lord Over All

Through His resurrection and subsequent ascension, Jesus was exalted to the highest place and given the name above every name. This exaltation emphasizes that He is not only Savior but also Lord, holding supreme authority over all creation. His glorification is a direct result of His humble obedience to death on the cross and His triumph over the grave, leading to universal acknowledgment of His lordship.

Philippians 2:9-11 describes this exaltation: “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” This passage highlights the response to Christ’s exaltation. Because of His resurrection and victory, Jesus’ name is exalted above all, and every knee will ultimately bow to Him as Lord. His resurrection serves as the foundation of His universal lordship and the basis for His glorification.

Ephesians 1:20-22 further emphasizes Jesus’ authority: “Which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.” The resurrection led to Jesus being seated above all powers and authorities. His glorification is not limited to a title or position but extends to His rule over all creation, affirming His absolute sovereignty.

The Resurrection as the Fulfillment of Jesus’ Promised Glory

Throughout His ministry, Jesus spoke of the glory that awaited Him after His mission was complete. He foretold that His crucifixion would be followed by resurrection and glorification. The resurrection fulfilled these promises, revealing Jesus’ divine glory and confirming that His work on earth was complete. Through the resurrection, Jesus entered into the glory He had spoken of, fulfilling His role as the Redeemer and the glorified Son.

John 17:1 captures Jesus’ prayer before His crucifixion: “Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said, ‘Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You.’” Jesus anticipated the glory that would follow His resurrection. His prayer was fulfilled through His victory over death, as the resurrection marked the beginning of His eternal glorification.

Hebrews 2:9 reflects on this fulfillment: “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.” Jesus’ resurrection and subsequent glorification completed His journey from humility to exaltation. By enduring the cross and rising again, He achieved the glory that had been prepared for Him, fulfilling His purpose as both Savior and Sovereign.

The Resurrection as a Call to Worship and Obedience

The glorification of Jesus through the resurrection calls all believers to respond in worship and obedience. The resurrection affirms that Jesus is worthy of all honor and devotion, not only as the risen Savior but as the exalted King. Believers are called to bow in reverence, honor Him as Lord, and live lives that reflect His glory. The resurrection inspires a life of devotion and obedience, recognizing that Jesus is the King who reigns eternally.

Revelation 5:12 calls for this response: “Saying with a loud voice: ‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!’” The resurrection and glorification of Christ evoke worship from all creation. Believers respond to Jesus’ exaltation by recognizing Him as worthy of all praise, submitting to His lordship, and dedicating their lives to His glory.

Colossians 3:1-2 encourages believers to live in light of Jesus’ exaltation: “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” The resurrection and glorification of Christ call believers to focus on eternal matters, living lives that reflect their devotion to the risen and exalted King. This perspective transforms daily life, motivating believers to live in a way that honors Christ’s glorified status.

The Resurrection as a Promise of Believers’ Future Glorification

Jesus’ glorification through the resurrection also foreshadows the future glorification of all believers. Just as Christ was raised and exalted, believers are promised that they, too, will share in His glory. The resurrection guarantees that those who belong to Jesus will experience resurrection and glorification with Him. This promise provides hope and motivation for believers, assuring them that their future is secure in Christ’s victory.

Romans 8:17 speaks to this future glorification: “And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” Believers are co-heirs with Christ, destined to share in His glory. The resurrection not only assures them of eternal life but also promises that they will experience glorification with Christ, a reality that shapes their faith and endurance.

Philippians 3:20-21 also highlights this promise: “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body.” The resurrection assures believers that they will one day be transformed and glorified like Christ. His glorification is a foretaste of what awaits all who are united with Him, providing them with a hope that transcends earthly challenges.

The Resurrection as the Catalyst for the Spread of the Gospel

Finally, the resurrection and glorification of Christ serve as the foundation and motivation for spreading the gospel. The risen and exalted Christ commissioned His followers to share the message of salvation, calling people to recognize His lordship and to place their faith in Him. The resurrection empowers believers to boldly proclaim Jesus as Savior and King, knowing that He reigns with all authority and is worthy of worship from every nation.

Matthew 28:18-20 records this commission: “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” The exaltation of Jesus gives believers the mandate to share the gospel, calling people to respond to the risen and glorified Christ. His resurrection and authority drive the mission of spreading His name to all nations.

Acts 5:31 emphasizes Jesus’ exaltation as Savior: “Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.” The exalted Christ is both Prince and Savior, extending forgiveness and salvation to all who believe. The resurrection emboldens believers to share this message, proclaiming the gospel of the risen and glorified Lord.

Conclusion: Living in Light of the Risen and Glorified Christ

The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of His glorification, revealing Him as the victorious King, the exalted Lord, and the One worthy of all honor and worship. This relationship between resurrection and glorification calls believers to a life of devotion, worship, obedience, and hope. Through His resurrection and exaltation, Jesus is glorified as the name above all names, the One who reigns forever.

As we live in light of Christ’s resurrection and glorification, may we worship Him as Lord, live in obedience to His will, and share His gospel with boldness. Let us be inspired by the promise of future glorification, knowing that just as Christ was raised and exalted, we, too, will share in His glory. The risen and glorified Christ is our hope, our King, and our joy, and He is worthy of our lives and our praise for all eternity.